Hull, Lindley M., compiler and editor. "A History of Central Washington,
Including the Famous Wenatchee, Entiat, Chelan and the Columbia Valleys."
Spokane: Press of Shaw & Borden Co., 1929. p. 135.
ALEXANDER MURRAY
deceased, was a native of Scotland and his first location in America was in
the Province of Ontario, Canada, more than sixty years ago. A few years later he
settled in Michigan and in January, 1868, he was married to Miss Christina Duff,
a native of Ontario. Mr. Murray was familiar with the scenes and characters upon
which was founded the story of "Beside The Bonnie Brier Bush" by Ian Maclaren
(Rev. John Watson). Mr. Murray landed in Wenatchee country on May I, 1885. He
homesteaded 160 acres which at this time has frontage on Western Avenue. He went
through with some trying experiences in acquiring title to the land on account
of decisions of the General Land Office, which after his filing ruled that it
was railroad land, and the property of the Northern Pacific. Mr. Murray then
availed himself of the privilege of purchase, and in accordance with the status
of contract land, he for several years paid taxes on the property. Later the
government changed its first ruling and declared all land in section five
subject to homestead entry, and again Mr. Murray became a homesteader, and had
an interesting time in attempting to recall the tax money which had found its
way into the state treasury. In the meantime he had acquired ranch property a
few miles from Ellensburg in Kittitas Valley, which he operated several years,
but when a decision made his Wenatchee holdings a homestead, he turned his
Kittitas ranch over to the boys and established his home in accordance with his
land obligations. He had a long wait before he secured a satisfactory water
right which came from the Highline canal in 1904. He entered into extensive
plans for orchard planting, and in time made many subdivisions, which now
constitute a long frontage on Western Avenue, among which are several tracts
sold to his children.
Mr. Murray died May, 1914, having passed the three score and ten mark.
During his career he passed through much hardship, but at all times and under
all circumstances he faced the problems of life with cheerfulness and courage.
His sturdy uprightness of character would have made its impression on any
community, and when in the evening of life he met the summons to join the
"Innumerable caravan that moves" to the life beyond, he in the fullest sense
could say: "I have lived."
Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Murray and while two are not now
living, all reached mature age and by their own efforts became well placed in
life, and from the group have sprung eight fine families. Their names follow:
James, Anna, Robert, William, John, Katherine, Isabel, Christine and Elizabeth.
James for many years was in the ministry, but is now operating the orchard on
the home place. Anna (Mrs. Chas. F. Porter) died January, 1 908, leaving' three
children, Dorothy, Chas. F., Jr., and Laurie. Robert and William have fine homes
on Western Avenue. John is ranching in the Methow country. Katherine and Isabel
(Mrs. Rese Jones and Mrs. John Wilson) have fine ranch homes in Kittitas Valley.
Christine (Mrs. Henry Botton) lives in Seattle. Mr. Botton is a civil engineer.
Elizabeth Murray will be remembered as the Wenatchee High School Librarian which
position she acceptably filled many years. She died November, 1923, a fine
Christian character cut off in the very flower of useful service. She was a
member of the historical committee of this pioneer work, to which by reason of
her qualifications she would have been a valued contributor. Her loss, not only
to this special work, but to the entire community is irreparable.
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Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in February 2012 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.